HOW TO STAY BUSY AT A SENIOR LIVING CENTER IN IDAHO FALLS

Older adults share the same basic needs that other people have regardless of age. One of the most important needs for older adults is to interact with their peers. At a retirement community in Idaho Falls, Idaho, older adults get the opportunity to interact with their peers every day. From enjoying meals together to watching a live sporting event in the entertainment room, our senior living center in Idaho Falls ensures every resident interacts with other residents to stay mentally alert, as well as fend off the negative emotions that are associated with loneliness and isolation.

Let’s learn how to stay busy at a senior living center in Idaho Falls.

Develop New Skills

They say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Fortunately, the saying does not apply to older adults. Ongoing education helps you feel energized, as well as keeps you interested in life and its many events. Learning new skills gives the brain a rigorous workout, which helps prevent memory loss. You can learn how to create arts and crafts such as paintings and apparel. Listening to a scholarly presentation ignites the brain to contemplate new ideas and concepts. Many of our residents learn new technical skills like the ones taught during computer classes.

Entertainment

Accessing the audio-visual equipment in the entertainment room of our senior living center in Idaho Falls is just one way residents stay active. Residents also have the opportunity to take trips outside our retirement community in Idaho Falls to catch other forms of entertainment. Maybe you like stand-up comedy acts or prefer to participate in live trivia games. Idaho Falls is home to a wide variety of life theater events, as well as sports competitions. Gather your friends at MorningStar of Idaho Falls for a weekly trip to catch the latest Hollywood movie.

Fitness

The proven research data that links robust physical health with strong mental health makes it essential that any retirement community in Idaho Falls on your shortlist boasts an active fitness calendar. Our senior living center in Idaho Falls offers access to an on-site fitness center that includes a gym and a large pool. You also can sign up for dancing and aerobic classes to enhance your mental and physical fitness. Although classes present an opportunity to participate in organized fitness activities, you do not have to wait for a scheduled event to get your heart pumping. Swimming and weight training are just two of the physical fitness activities you can do on your own.

Games

Combine social interaction with mental stimulation, and you have one of the most effective ways to stay busy at a senior living center in Idaho Falls. Games remain the standard for planning your day at MorningStar of Idaho Halls, from the classic game of bingo to more physically demanding games such as golf, bowling, and tennis. Play a game of solitaire when you are on your own, as well as take on one of your friends for a competitive game of chess or checkers. Crossword puzzles are a great way to whittle away a rainy day, while shuffleboard keeps you energized on a beautiful summer day. Staying active represents the most effective strategy for maintaining robust mental, physical, and cognitive health. Find out how to stay busy at our senior living center in Idaho Falls by scheduling a tour today.

Navigating Social Isolation in Seniors

It is difficult to recognize the loneliness seniors experience. In our minds, we may believe seniors can experience the world as easily as many of us. However, significant lifestyle changes occur as we age, which leads seniors to withdraw. In communities that need more senior support, overall happiness diminishes. Senior Living Communities combat social isolation in seniors by creating active neighborhoods with easily accessible amenities. 

Social isolation has a significant impact on the health of seniors. According to the World Health Organization, the effect of social isolation and loneliness on mortality has been compared to that of other well-established risk factors for mortality, such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Understanding the Causes of Social Isolation

Many circumstances surrounding aging may cause once-active seniors to seclude themselves. Such as, 

1. The death of a loved one or spouse

2. Living far from family or friends

3. Lack of access to transportation or walkable areas

4. Chronic Health Conditions

5. Lack of senior support in their community

Senior Living Communities Combat Senior Isolation

Senior living communities create active and all-inclusive neighborhoods for seniors. Residents in a retirement community have more significant opportunities to socialize with their community through shared activities and promoted events. Seniors who no longer drive benefit from a walkable neighborhood that makes it easy to access shopping, dining, and personal care. You can find all-inclusive senior care in Portland at MorningStar at Laurelhurst, which offers various engaging activities and chances to make life-changing friendships. 

Find the Best Retirement Homes Portland, Oregon, Has to Offer

We have an unmatched commitment to the well-being of our assisted living residents at MorningStar at Laurelhurst. We offer round-the-clock support for their activities of daily living (ADLs), empowering them to maintain their independence. With compassion, our care managers provide medication management and access to licensed nurses. Our retirement communities are thoughtfully crafted with luxury amenities, hospitality services, and wellness programs that nurture new interests, hobbies, and individual needs.

Contact us today at (971) 544-8100 To learn more about MorningStar at Laurelhurst and the outstanding care practices within our senior living and memory care communities. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, mission, and what sets us apart from other retirement homes in Portland, Oregon.

Pet Friendly Retirement Homes in Oregon

You shouldn’t have to imagine a life without your furry friend and companion. Modern retirement communities, such as MorningStar Senior Living, welcome seniors aged 55 and up into their pet-friendly retirement homes. Retirees looking for a relaxing retirement home in Portland are excited to call MorningStar Senior Living a home for them and their pet.
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What are the Benefits of Choosing a Pet Friendly Senior Living Community? Simply put, life is better with a pet. Companion animals, like cats and dogs, bring joy and comfort into our lives. For seniors, many agree that a beloved pet keeps them happy and active. It’s normal to feel sedentary in senior living, even in such an active community. Moving to a pet-friendly senior living community will encourage you to take your pet on walks more frequently. Engaging with your pet in whatever way makes them feel fulfilled is sure to ease your own stress and anxiety, too. We encourage residents to take advantage of our courtyard and explore all of what Portland has to offer for seniors.

If you are considering moving into a retirement home, MorningStar offers some of the finest senior living options Portland has to offer. A retirement community will help you tackle daily chores and errands so that you don’t have to. Your retirement should be spent focusing on the joys of life surrounded by like-minded individuals. MorningStar works to relieve senior stress and anxiety by providing seniors a chance to live independently.

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Portland, Oregon, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.
 
Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Portland, OR. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Oregon. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Portland, Oregon.

The Benefits of a Daily Walk for Seniors

Walking seems like a simple exercise. However, not enough adults or seniors take regular walks. It’s no surprise that a daily walk for seniors can improve health and overall well-being. Getting 10 to 15 minutes of fresh air, walking around MorningStar’s assisted living community with a friend or family member, or taking your dog out for a quick stroll are all great ways to get your body moving. At MorningStar, you can find a senior living community that promotes a healthy lifestyle for seniors.
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Walking improves circulation and heart health in seniors. If you want to be proactive in your health as you age, taking a daily walk is a massive step in the right direction. Literally! Daily walking has shown a positive impact on heart health and reduces the risk of more serious conditions, like heart disease, strokes, and even diabetes.

If your loved one has been experiencing muscle pain, arthritis, or other types of chronic pain, a daily walk is beneficial in reducing this discomfort, too. It may seem counterintuitive to move more when you experience body pain, but walking strengthens the muscles in your legs and back. Stronger muscles can alleviate stress on joints and will work to relieve pain associated with arthritis.

Seniors can often struggle with sleep issues. A huge benefit of walking is that it forces your body to use more energy, therefore requiring more rest. This can greatly improve the lifestyle of a senior struggling with insomnia or poor sleep habits. If you are considering a move to senior living, Parker’s health-focused MorningStar of Parker has everything to get your body and mind on the right track. We hope to see you enjoying our strolling paths and Cherry Creek Trail soon!

You can enjoy the things you love more when you live at a MorningStar Senior Living retirement home and assisted living community near you. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our retirement community near you.
 
Please contact us today to learn more about our other memory care amenities within our senior living facility. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company's history, vision, and mission, and what sets us apart from other retirement communities in Parker, Colorado, offers.

Find the Best Assisted Living Caregivers at MorningStar

When a loved one begins to portray symptoms of Alzheimer's or other memory loss diseases, families panic to find empathic, safe, and trusted memory care. A memory loss diagnosis may feel like uncharted waters to you and your family and there is a lot of pressure to find your loved one the care that they deserve. Rightfully so! Not only do you want them to be safe and healthy, but you also want them to be in a senior living environment that can specialize in their individual needs while continuing to enrich their lives with meaning and joy. At MorningStar of Parker, you will find the best assisted living caregivers through their dedication to compassion and senior prioritization that is established through “Radiance.”
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Radiance is unique to MorningStar. More than a customer service program, Radiance celebrates an attitude of selflessness that grows from a deep and sincere place within those that feel called to help others. Service is delivered at MorningStar with warmth, sincerity, and depth to seniors in our community. This attribute is to be visibly apparent upon hiring. By hiring only the brightest caregivers, MorningStar encourages a strong and devoted team that selflessly prioritizes the array of specialized memory care and other assisted living needs of our residents.

The standards within our Radiance care are introduced to every team member upon hiring, regardless of their role within the MorningStare community. This means our holistic training and ethics are instilled in our employees ranging from chefs, salon specialists, and of course specialized care attendees. These standards are reiterated and strengthened every day in our daily Huddle where we go over our care necessities and daily goals. Having trusted team members that meet our standards of Radiance and enforce them daily is what makes staying at MorningStar a safe and happy senior living and memory care facility.

To learn more about Radiance and the other practices within our senior living and memory care specialties, please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Parker, Colorado offers.
 
You can enjoy the things you love more when you live at MorningStar Senior Living Parker Co retirement homes. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our retirement community near you. Contact us today to learn about the best senior living community to offer built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Parker Co has seen.

The Benefits of Meatless Mondays!

Maintaining proper nutrition is vital for seniors with limited mobility or health concerns. Opting for meatless meals even once a week can help boost your health. Choosing plant-based meals offers several benefits for seniors, especially those with health concerns or limited mobility. The benefits of a meatless Monday for seniors in assisted living are improved heart health, good weight management, and enhanced nutritional intake.
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If you’ve never heard of Meatless Monday, it is a global movement that encourages individuals to eat outside the box for one day a week. The campaign emphasizes the importance of incorporating more plant-based foods into our diets, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Because plant-focused meals are typically lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, these meals are beneficial to seniors struggling with heart health. Red and processed meats contribute to elevated levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular issues. High blood pressure and inflammation are other issues associated with heavy meat consumption.

Maintaining a healthy weight is a top concern for caretakers of seniors with limited mobility. Plant-based diets are generally lower in calories and can assist seniors in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight without abundant exercise. By opting for nutrient-dense meals, seniors reduce calorie intake and easily manage their weight.

Meals without meat do not need to be boring! By exploring outside of your usual eating routine, you can experience new and exciting flavors and food combinations without meat. At MorningStar, our executive chefs celebrate vibrant fruits and vegetables with a complexity of herbs and spices. Next time you’re in our dining room, our chefs would be happy to help you devise a meatless meal option that is sure to surprise your taste buds.

If you don’t think you can dedicate a whole day to eating meat-free, try incorporating healthier options alongside your favorite meal. BrainWise is a program at MorningStar that incorporates “Super Foods” into our daily eating. Our culinary specialists prioritize the use of ingredients known to support brain health by their high concentrations of vitamins, and anti-inflammatory compounds like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens.

You can enjoy the things you love more when you live at MorningStar Senior Living Parker Co retirement homes. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our retirement community near you. Contact us today to learn about the best senior living community to offer built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Parker Co has seen.

Find Your Ideal Retirement Community at MorningStar in Parker, Colorado

Choosing the perfect retirement community involves considering various factors, including location, weather, and the surrounding community. MorningStar Parker, situated in the beautiful town of Parker, Colorado, offers an exceptional retirement living experience complemented by its ideal location and vibrant surrounding community. With favorable weather conditions, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a welcoming community, MorningStar Parker is a perfect choice for seniors seeking a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement lifestyle.

Parker maintains a peaceful small-town atmosphere, with friendly residents and a slower pace of life. This tranquility allows MorningStar Parker residents to savor a quiet retirement while within reach of urban conveniences. A close-knit community fosters a sense of security, neighborly connections, and a warm and welcoming environment for retirees.

MorningStar Parker benefits from its proximity to a wide range of amenities and services that cater to retirees' needs and preferences, making this retirement community a great place to live. The town of Parker features shopping centers, restaurants, medical facilities, and recreational options, ensuring that residents can access essentials and leisure activities easily. Whether exploring local boutiques, dining at diverse culinary establishments, or participating in fitness classes, MorningStar Parker residents can enjoy a fulfilling and convenient retirement lifestyle without traveling far.

One of Parker, Colorado's standout features is its picturesque weather. The region experiences a temperate climate with all four distinct seasons, allowing senior living residents to appreciate each season's beauty and diversity. Summers are generally warm and sunny, creating inviting outdoor activities and socializing environments. Fall brings vibrant foliage, while winter offers a snowy wonderland that adds charm and a sense of coziness. Spring brings blossoming flowers and pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal time for exploration and rejuvenation. The favorable weather in Parker allows residents of MorningStar to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
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You can enjoy the things you love more when you live at MorningStar Senior Living Parker Co retirement homes. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our retirement community near you. Contact us today to learn about the best senior living community to offer built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Parker Co has seen.

Welcome Home to MorningStar of Idaho Falls

Since MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003, we have believed it is a privilege to “cast a new light” on senior living guided by the following precepts: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. This three-pillared mission statement has kept us grounded through our growth to 40+ retirement communities in operation or under construction across eleven states. MorningStar of Idaho Falls is one of two in Idaho.
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MorningStar of Idaho Falls provides all the services, luxury amenities, and programs to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Starting with a five-star dining service that includes meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients, restaurant-style dining and private dining room, we have an onsite theatre, bistro and salon. Other amenities include a billiards and game room, library, fitness room and raised garden beds. For your safety, all suites have a handicap-accessible bathroom and 24-hour emergency call system.

To serve the various needs of seniors, we offer stylish cottages and apartments for independent living in a variety of floor plans and configurations. MorningStar’s independent living promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle with maintenance-free living, built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, wellness programs, and activities. Housekeeping services help keep life simple and frees up time for other interests. Maybe it is time to improve your golf game, start or renew a hobby, get closer to the grandkids or volunteer in your community.

If you are a senior who requires help with the activities of daily living, MorningStar provides various levels of assisted living. As a resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.

MorningStar is ideally located and offers a range of cultural and entertainment venues, outdoor activities, quality medical facilities and great shopping and dining nearby. Residents enjoy local spots such as the Idaho Falls Zoo, Museum of Idaho, and the Idaho Falls River Walk Greenbelt Trail. To see our beautiful retirement community up close, please contact us to schedule a tour.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Idaho Falls.

Finding the Perfect Retirement Community: How to Make the Right Choice

Finding the right retirement homes for your budget and preferences can be challenging. How do you know which communities are best? Which should you choose?

It all comes down to your personal lifestyle and what you value in your everyday life. Follow this guide to make the perfect choice for you when choosing fromretirement homes.

Think About Your Desired Location First

While many seniors like to stay local to their current homes, some decide to travel out of town or even out of state to live in retirement homes.

This choice depends on your relationship with your family and personal preferences. For example, if you don’t have any local relatives and you want to move somewhere with a beach, you likely won’t choose retirement homes in cold areas.

However, staying local can be just as challenging. Finding the right community for you can be tricky if you have location restrictions.

Discuss your preferences with your family to find the best retirement location for you.

Decide What Amenities and Services You Want (and Need)

Every retirement community offers certain amenities and extra services to make residents more comfortable. To find the perfect community, decide what conveniences and luxuries are most important to you.

If you are an avid swimmer and biker, you’ll want to choose a community with lots of outdoor and water space. These are often included in your financial package with a retirement community.

Extra services can include housekeeping, mail delivery, and recreational sports. Find out which communities offer the services you want or need, and go from there.

Meet the Community

You should always tour a retirement community in person if you can. That is where you’ll meet your potential neighbors and the staff that will take care of your living space.

It’s important to form strong connections within your community. If a particular community doesn’t feel authentic or welcoming, feel free to choose a different one. First impressions can make or break your experience in a retirement community, so trust your gut instincts.

Consider Your Budget

It’s important to find a retirement community that fits within your budget. You know your financial situation best, and you get the final say on where you live.

Most retirement communities will offer a breakdown of the monthly and yearly costs required to live there. If a community doesn’t fit into your budget, you can move on to another one.

You’ve likely worked your whole life to save for retirement. Make sure you stick to the funds that you already have to avoid going into debt.

Find the Perfect Retirement Homes for You

When choosing your retirement community, consider all of your options carefully. After all, this is where you’ll be living after retirement. You deserve to find the best one for you.

Make Sure Your Elderly Loved Ones are Equipped to Avoid Scams

A newly released FBI 2021 Elder Fraud Report, found cybercrimes were up 62% from 2020, resulting in reported losses of almost $3 billion. The FBI says most likely the loss was even higher as many victims are reluctant to report such crimes. The Federal Trade Commission supports this with statistics showing 44% of younger people in their 20's reported losing money to fraud but only 20% of those in their 70's did so.

Experts say the increase in fraud is partly due to the increase in digital financial transactions and seniors’ lack of sophistication with technology. The pandemic and seniors’ isolation also played a part as did the variety of methods and schemes utilized. The elderly are scammed in a number of ways including phishing through phone calls, emails, social media messages and fraudulent shopping schemes.  

“Grandparent schemes” often involve texts sent supposedly from a relative requesting money be wired to help with a medical emergency or another event requiring immediate attention. The fraudsters obtain the names of family members from Facebook and other social media to prey upon their emotions. 

To help elderly relatives protect themselves, experts recommend helping them set their social media accounts to private and reminding them to limit the amount of information they share online. Tell them to be wary about any request for money in texts or emails regardless of who they appear to be from. If they question whether a text is really from a family member, block it and call the person instead. 

To deter fraud, use strong passwords or fingerprints, and two- factor authentication. When purchasing online, check to see if it is a secure network. You should see a padlock in the front of the address bar usually followed by “https.”  Avoid Wi-Fi hot spots and use a VPN service to block your identity. 

MorningStar at Laurelhurst is a new retirement community in Portland offering assisted living and memory care. Along with a choice of private suites, we offer senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. Contact us to reserve your select suite and ask about our Founders Club Specials for savings for early depositors. We open to residents in the winter of 2023. 

Source: usatoday.com/story/tech/2022/09/18/cybercrime-cost-american-seniors-3-billion-last-year-62-jump/10420029002/